"The decision several years ago to remove the paper bill charge was done with the best of intentions in the belief we could absorb the costs.

"Since then the cost of sending nearly 12 million sheets of paper has gone up, today making it unsustainable and no longer fair."

Customers who fall into the vulnerable category including concession-card holders and those on the company's hardship program are exempt from the fee.

EnergyAustralia recently had a dramatic 50 per cent fall to its profit levels and last year announced a $1.2 billion writedown to its retail business.

Energy comparison website Canstar Blue's spokesman Simon Downes said while the fee won't be popular among bill payers, they "should be much more concerned about the actual energy rates they're paying".

"It's frustrating to be charged simply for receiving a bill, so don't be afraid to take your business elsewhere if your retailer does it," he said.

Rival energy retailers including Origin and AGL charge a $1.75 paper statement fee for selected customers but some exemptions apply.

EnergyAustralia's charge begins from April 6.

In NSW energy retailers are no longer able to charge a fee to those who want to receive their bill in the mail.